The Education Freedom Accounts (EFA) program in Arkansas allows parents to use state funds to pay for private school tuition, home school curriculum, and other educational activities. Lawmakers have debated the use of EFA’s for over two years, with concerns raised about the types of activities that can be funded, such as horseback riding and martial arts lessons. The program is set to go universal next school year, opening applications to all school-age children in the state.
There are more than 500 approved EFA vendors in Arkansas, including private schools, online schools, therapy organizations, tutors, and homeschool curriculum providers. Some lawmakers are questioning the cost of the program, which is expected to increase by $90 million next school year. Despite concerns about the cost, supporters of the program, led by the Republican Party, believe that parents should have the option to choose where their children go to school.
State lawmakers are planning to add $90 million to the cost of Arkansas LEARNS next school year, with concerns raised about ensuring the funds go to students who truly need them. While there is not enough support to make changes to the program at this time, conversations are expected to increase after Arkansas LEARNS becomes fully operational next school year. Funding for the program is expected to come from a surplus of $250 million to $300 million in the state budget.
